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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

South America: Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru

After spending a few days sightseeing in Lima, we flew to Cusco to get a real treat by exploring the Incan Empire. A charming little city home to much history and many alpacas and llamas, Cusco is bustling with tourists from all around the world. It is breathtaking and a real gem.

We toured the Santo Domingo Cathedral, Qenqo, Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. All gorgeous sites rich in history and beauty. Plush green landscape stretches across the outskirts of town while narrow, cobblestone roads bring the city together.

Going to Peru without visiting Machu Picchu is like going to Kentucky and not tasting bourbon. So we took a car to the bus to the train to another bus and hiked up to see the lost city. This 15th-century city is stunning with 70% of it still in tact from many moons ago. It attracts 4500 people per day for its views and awe as you walk through the town feeling the presence of the people who were once there. A sacred place with temples, tombs, and a kings palace. There are no words to do it justice really. You must go there and see it for yourself.

But I would hurry because according to our local guide, Marco, in five years you will not be able to wander the Incan city streets due to preservation.

A humbling people and land, we truly enjoyed the journey to Machu Picchu and hope to return again someday.